Nectarine tree named &#34;nectarreve&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectarreve’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No. 2008/0582 filed on Mar. 17, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Prunus persica var. nucipersica.

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘Nectarreve’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, Prunus persica var. nucipersica, which has been given the variety denomination ‘Nectarreve’. This new tree produces fruit with a long shelf life without alteration both on the tree after growth completion and after harvesting, very good eating quality, clingstone white flesh fruit for fresh market in July in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. Contrast is made to ‘Nectarmagie’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,579), a standard white nectarine variety, and to ‘Maillarboom’ (Big Boum®) (non-patented) and ‘Maillarferarie’ (Flamerouge®) (non-patented), its yellow nectarine parents, for reliable description. ‘Nectarreve’ is a promising candidate for commercial success in that it has very attractive fruits with very long shelf life without alteration before after harvesting.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The ‘Nectarreve’ white nectarine tree originated in a cultivated area of the south of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, where it was tested. The ‘Nectarreve’ variety resulted from a pollinated cross between the ‘Maillarboom’ (Big Boum®) (non-patented) yellow nectarine tree, which was used as the seed parent, and the ‘Maillarferarie’ (Flamerouge®) (non-patented) yellow nectarine tree, which was used as the pollen parent. ‘Nectarreve’ was provisionally designated, tested and genetically identified by a genetic profile, under number 4N.12.81 NB and was registered at the Official Catalogue of the Agriculture Ministry of the French Republic on Nov. 14, 2007 under number 1024466. It was obtained by hybridizing and propagated by grafting on a ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ (non-patented) rootstock tree. It has been determined to have unique tree and fruit characteristics making it worthy for commercial fresh fruit production. There are no known effects of the standard ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ (non-patented) rootstock on the scion cultivar. Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plant was reproduced asexually by us in Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree blooms in March at Perpignan in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. More particularly, it blooms between the 2^(nd) and the 13^(th) of March, generally two days before ‘Nectarmagie’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,579).

The first fruit of ‘Nectarreve’ nectarine tree ripens in July, at the same time than ‘Nectarmagie’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,579). More particularly, it approximately ripens between July 2^(nd) and 15^(th). The date of maturity varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph which shows a twig bearing typical fruit specimens of the new variety, and leaves of the new variety.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph which shows a twig bearing typical fruit specimens of the new variety, leaves of the new variety and a third fruit cut in half for depicting the fruit flesh, the pit cavity and the stone of the new variety.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph with reverse and size views of flowers of the new variety, and, with petals removed, reproductive organs of the new variety.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variations in soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition. The potential for commercial production of fresh fruit by ‘Nectarreve’ is high, due to fruit very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting.

Trees are vigorous and large stature half-standing in a semi-spread to semi-upright out aspect. The anthocyanic coloration of flowering shoot is present excluding brushwood side away from sun. Flowering begins early in springtime. The type of flower is showy with relative medium to large petal size. Petals are medium pink. Leaf glands are present and reniform. Time of maturity for consumption is early. The fruit flesh is white and its skin is very thick, with a purple red blush and a pink-washed red background. The stone is medium size. Fruit taste is semi-sweet.

Compared to ‘Nectarmagie’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,579), ‘Nectarreve’ variety has the same time of maturity, although ‘Nectarmagie’ blooms two days before. ‘Nectarreve’ trees productivity is higher than ‘Nectarmagie’ trees productivity. ‘Nectarreve’ fruits are also rounder and firmer than ‘Nectarmagie’ fruits, with a shallower suture, and have a longer shelf life than ‘Nectarmagie’ fruits.

The new variety male parent, which is ‘Maillarferarie’ (Flamerouge®), produces yellow nectarines instead of white nectarines. ‘Maillarferarie’ comparatively ripens 1 month earlier than the new variety. It was chosen as a genitor because of the interesting color of its fruits and their very aromatic taste.

The new variety female parent, which is ‘Maillarboom’ (Big Boum®) (non-patented), produces yellow nectarines instead of white nectarines. ‘Maillarboom’ comparatively ripens approximately 10 days later than the new variety. It was chosen as a genitor because producing fruits of good size, good presentation and excellent taste.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, the following was observed during the 2007 and 2008 growing seasons under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. All observations have been done on rootstock cultivar. The rootstock was a ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ (non-patented) tree. More particularly, observations relative to tree, trunk, branches, leaves and fruit were done in August 2007 and August 2008 on trees in their fourth and fifth growing season. Observations relative to flowers were done in March 2007 and March 2008 on trees in their fourth and fifth growing season. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

-   Tree: -   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered large as compared to other common             commercial nectarine cultivars. The tree size the first year             was approximately 280 cm. The tree was pruned during each             following dormant season to a height of approximately             250 cm. Current seasons shoots growth could reach 80 cm. So             the tree size from the second year (second and next years)             reached a final height of 330 cm with current seasons shots             length comprised.         -   Spread.—Approximately 150 to 200 cm. The whole orchard was             oriented to a central leader organisation, with tree lines             spaced of 4.0 meters and trees spaced of 1 meter in a same             tree line.         -   Vigor.—Considered vigorous. The present variety grew from             about 200 cm to 280 cm in height during the first growing             season. For second and following seasons, the variety was             pruned to an approximate height of 250 cm.         -   Productivity.—Very Productive. Fruit set is spaced by             thinning to develop the remaining fruit into the desired             market sized fruit. The number of the fruit set varies with             the prevailing climatic conditions and cultural practices             employed during the bloom period, and is therefore not             distinctive of the present variety.         -   Bearer.—Very regular. Thinning of 1 fruit out of 3 was             necessary for the tree valorisation. Thinning must be light             because of the high magnifying potential of the fruit.             Thinning was necessary every year during the years of             observation.         -   Form.—The ‘Nectarreve’ variety has naturally a semi-spread             to semi-upright shape.         -   Density.—Considered medium dense.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in             France. The variety appears to be hardy under the central             Pyrénées-Orientales departement typical climatic conditions.             Experimentations on different sites with winter chilling             requirement comprised between 350 hours and 1200 hours             showed a good behaviour of the tree in all cases. No damages             were caused by ascertained temperatures as low as −12             degrees Celsius. The tree was also very resistant to frosty             springtime weather. -   Trunk:     -   -   Diameter.—Approximately between 8.0 cm and 9.5 cm in             diameter when measured at a distance of approximately 30 cm             above the soil level, on trees of the fifth growing season.             The branching begins at 50 cm above the soil level.         -   Bark texture.—Considered slightly rough, with folds of             papery scarfskin being present.         -   Lenticels.—Numerous lenticels are present on trees of the             fifth growing season. The lenticels range in size from             approximately 4.5 millimeters to 7.5 millimeters in width,             and from 2.5 millimeters to 3.0 millimeters in height.         -   Lenticel color.—The outside of lenticels has a silver-grey             color (RHS Grey 201 D to RHS Black 202 D), whereas the             inside is considered brown (RHS Greyed Orange 166B).         -   Bark coloration.—The bark has a silver-grey color a little             more pronounced than lenticels outside color (RHS Grey 201 C             to RHS Black 202 C). -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Mature branches and current season shoots are             considered medium to thick for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other nectarine varieties.             The current season shoots have a diameter from 4.5 to 9.0             millimeters, and branches of trees of the fifth growing             season have a diameter comprised between 21.0 and 46.0             millimeters.         -   Surface texture.—Average, wood which is several years old             has no furrowed appearance.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, but             the crotch angles are generally between 55 degrees and 65             degrees from the horizontal axis. This particular             characteristic is not considered distinctive of the variety,             however. -   Current season shoots:     -   -   Surface texture.—Substantially glabrous.         -   Internode length.—Generally 25.0 millimeters to 35.0             millimeters.         -   Color of mature branches.—Medium brown (RHS Grey Brown 199             A). -   Current seasons shoots:     -   -   Color.—The color of new shoot tips is considered a light             green (RHS Green 143 C to D) on lower part of new shoot             tips, whereas the upper part is colored in more or less             brown-red (varying from RHS Greyed Red 182 B to C). -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered large for the species. Leaf measurements             have been taken from vigorous, upright, current-season             growth at approximately mid-shoot. The ratio leaf             length/leaf width ranges from 3.89 and 4.51, with a mean             ratio around 4.18.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 163.0 to 207.0 millimeters with             leaf petiole.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 38.0 to 48.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf base shape.—Concave.         -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.         -   Leaf tip form.—Acuminate. -   Leaf color:     -   -   Upper leaf surface.—Dark Green (RHS Green 137 A).         -   Lower surface.—Medium Green (RHS Green 137 B to 137 C).         -   Leaf texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined. -   Mid-vein:     -   -   Color.—Light green with a cream touch (RHS Yellow Green 145             D).         -   Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating.         -   Form—Considered slightly dentate.         -   Uniformity.—Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In             this last case, it is found one leaf of normal size with one             or two smaller leaves (size-reduction of 50% and more). -   Leaf petioles:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium.         -   Length.—About 8.0 to about 10.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 2.0 mm.         -   Color.—Light green shading to white (RHS Yellow Green 145 B             to C). -   Leaf glands:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium. Their length is about 1.0             millimeters.         -   Number.—Generally 4 glands per leaf.         -   Type.—Reniform.         -   Color.—On young leaves, leaf glands color is considered a             pale green (RHS Green 145 B). On older leaves, leaf glands             color turn to a dark brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A to 199 B). -   Leaf stipules:     -   -   Generally.—No leaf stipules were observed. But as seen in             the characteristic relative to the leaves uniformity, it is             possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or 3, with a             normal-size leaf and smaller ones. -   Flowers: -   Flower buds:     -   -   Generally.—At pre-floral stage of development, the floral             buds are conic in form with a round tip. Their form is             evolving until blooming, with variables dimensions. Just             before blooming, floral buds are approximately 10.0             millimeters wide and approximately 18.0 millimeters long. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Color.—This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity             to bloom. At pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of             the flowers buds, formed by the sepals, is of purple-brown             color (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A); the corolla, formed by the             petals, is generally of pale pink color (RHS Red Purple 69             C). Petals color shows an evolution until the end of             flowering. The buds are considered hardy under typical             central Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic conditions.         -   Hardiness.—No winter injury was noted during the last             several years of evaluation in the central             Pyrénées-Orientales departement, with winter temperatures as             low as −10 degrees Celsius in January. The current variety             has not been intentionally subjected to drought or heat             stress, but the variety showed a very good resistance in             orchard to temperatures up to 42 degrees Celsius with an             average temperature between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius during             3 weeks in summer.         -   Date of bloom.—Generally March. The first bloom was observed             on Mar. 4, 2004.         -   Blooming time.—Considered early-season in relative             comparison to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in             the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. The date of             full bloom is observed on March. The date of bloom varies             slightly with climatic conditions and cultural practices.             Thus the first full bloom was observed approximately on Mar.             7, 2004 .         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 12 days. This             characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic             conditions.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type             flower.         -   Flower size.—Considered medium. Flower diameter at full             bloom is approximately 34.0 to 38.0 millimeters.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant, approximately 40 to 45             flowers per meter.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 2 flower buds appear per             node, occasionally 1. -   Petal size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered medium to large for the species.         -   Length.—Generally about 21.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Generally about 20.0 millimeters.         -   Petal form.—Round-shaped.         -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.         -   Petal texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Petal color.—Medium Pink (RHS Red Purple 65 B to C) when             young, darkening with advancing senescence.         -   Fragrance.—Pronounced. -   Petal claw:     -   -   Form.—The claw is considered to have a conic form with a             slighty rounded extremity.         -   Length.—Approximately 6.0 to 8.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 5.0 to 6.0 millimeters.         -   Petal margins.—Generally very slightly undulated. -   Petal apex:     -   -   Generally.—The petal apices are generally dome-shaped. -   Flower pedicel:     -   -   Length.—Considered medium and having an average length of             approximately 3.0 to 5.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Considered average, approximately 2.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—A medium brown (RHS Grey Brown N199 C to D). -   Floral nectaries:     -   -   Color.—A green yellow (varying from RHS Yellow 13 A to B to             RHS Yellow Green 150 A to B) -   Calyx:     -   -   Internal surface texture.—Slightly pubescent.         -   Color.—The outer surface of the calyx is considered of             Purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A) color. -   Sepals:     -   -   Surface texture.—The outer surface has a short, fine             pubescent texture.         -   Size.—Average.         -   Color.—Purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A).         -   Average number of stamens per flower.—Approximately 40             stamens per flower. -   Anthers:     -   -   Generally.—Small to medium in length.         -   Color.—Red to orange-red color (approximately RHS Greyed             Purple 178 A Group). Anthers are becoming yellow at             maturity.         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow             color (Approximately RHS Yellow Orange 17 B to C). The             present variety is considered self fruitful             (self-pollinating). -   Filaments:     -   -   Size.—Variable in length, approximately 10.0 to 16.0             millimeters in length. Filaments length is generally equal             to the pistil's length, if not slightly smaller.         -   Color.—Considered light pink (approximately RHS Red Purple             62 C to D) to pink (RHS Red Purple 73 A to B). -   Pistil:     -   -   Number.—Usually 1.         -   Generally.—Average in size.         -   Length.—Approximately 16.0 to 21.0 millimeters including the             ovary; Generally equal to filaments length, if not slightly             superior to filaments in length.         -   Color.—Considered a very pale green (varying from RHS Yellow             Green 150 D to RHS Yellow Green 151 D).         -   Surface texture.—Glabrous. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Very firm ripe condition (shipping             ripe).         -   Date of first picking.—Jul. 3, 2004.         -   Date of last picking.—Jul. 14, 2004. The date of harvest             varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions. The             ‘Nectarreve’ variety has an early to medium date of picking,             and a grouped maturity: only 2 harvests in 10 days were             necessary. -   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered large to very large, and homogeneous             in size.         -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 76.0 to 81.0             millimeters.         -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 72.0 to 76.0             millimeters.         -   Typical weight.—Generally between 200.0 and 300.0 grams.             This characteristic is high dependent upon the prevailing             cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly             distinctive of the variety. -   Fruit form:     -   -   Generally.—Round. The fruit is generally uniform in             symmetry, viewed from pistil end.         -   Fruit suture.—Wide-mouthed and marked, extending from the             base to the apex. No apparent callousing or stitching exists             along the suture line. -   Suture:     -   -   Color.—The suture has generally a color similar to the whole             fruit color, a purple red (RHS Red Purple 59 A to RHS Red             46 A) on a pinky red background (RHS Red 38 C to B). -   Ventral surface:     -   -   Form.—Smooth.         -   Apex.—Non-prominent, depressed, very small.         -   Base.—Slightly wide-mouthed, shallow.         -   Stem cavity.—Average depth of the stem cavity is about             1.0 cm. Average width is about 1.5 cm. -   Fruit skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Considered very thick and strong, and tenacious             to moderately tenacious to the flesh depending on stage of             maturity.         -   Texture.—Glabrous.         -   Taste.—Semi-sweet.         -   Tendency to crack.—None observed. -   Color:     -   -   Blush color.—This blush color is an homogenous purple red             (RHS Red Purple 59 A to RHS Red 46 A). The red blush covers             90% to 100% of the fruit skin surface. The percentage of the             blush on the fruit skin surface can vary, and is generally             dependant upon the prevailing conditions under which the             fruit was grown. The blush color appears lately at the end             of fruit development, reducing the risk that an anticipated             harvest might be necessary.         -   Ground color.—The ground color appears until 10% of the             fruit skin surface, and is considered pink-washed red (RHS             Red 38 C to B).         -   Fruit stem.—Medium in length, approximately 8.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 4.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145A to 145 B). -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripens.—Very evenly, homogenously, slowly.         -   Texture.—Very firm, very dense, juicy at harvest maturity             stage.         -   Fibers.—Not fibrous.         -   Aroma.—Pronounced.         -   Eating quality.—Considered very good and aromatic.         -   Flavor.—Considered semi-sweet. The Brix is superior to 13             and acidity comprised between 6 and 9 meq/100 ml. The flavor             is considered aromatic.         -   Juice.—Very juicy at complete maturity.         -   Brix.—Generally superior to 13.0 degrees. This             characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit per             tree; prevailing cultural practices; and the surrounding             climatic conditions.         -   Flesh color.—White flesh (RHS White Group N155D) usually             without any red pigmentation. -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone.         -   Size.—Considered medium for the variety. The stone size             varies significantly depending upon the tree vigor, crop             load and prevailing growing conditions.         -   Length.—Approximately 33.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 23.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 17.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Elliptic.         -   Base.—Straight to slightly oblique. -   Apex:     -   -   Shape.—The stone apex is short, with a small prominent tip.         -   Stone cavity.—Considered medium size, with an elliptic-form             and dimensions corresponding to the stone's dimensions. -   Stone surface:     -   -   Surface texture.—The pit is transversely furrowed on its             entire surface. Furrows are more pronounced toward the apex.             The stone is pitted toward the base. Relief is prominent             generally and present basally.         -   Ridges.—The surface texture is generally characterized by             more prominent ridges along the ventral edges and is more             prominent at the apical tip. -   Ventral edge:     -   -   Width.—Considered small to medium, and having a dimension of             approximately 2.0 millimeters at mid-suture. -   Dorsal edge:     -   -   Shape.—Grooved.         -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is generally             considered an orange to red-brown (RHS Greyed Orange 173 C             to D).         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is absent or very low,             depending on climatic conditions between blooming period and             stone hardening. -   Kernel:     -   -   Size.—The kernel is considered medium.         -   Length.—Approximately 18.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 13.0 millimeters.         -   Thickness.—Approximately 6.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Considered oblate and elliptic.         -   Pellicle.—Pubescent.         -   Color.—The kernel skin is a light orange-yellow (RHS Greyed             Orange 166 C) with darker streaks (RHS Greyed Orange 166 B).             The almond is cream-white (RHS Orange White 159 D). The             kernel and its embryo are mature at the time of fruit             maturity.         -   Use.—The subject variety ‘Nectarreve’ is considered to be a             nectarine tree of the early to medium season of maturity,             and which produces fruits that are considered firm,             attractively colored. Fruits have a semi-sweet taste and are             excellent for uncooked consumption, crunchy or melting when             at full maturity. Due to their flesh quality, firmness and             density, they can also be commercialized as 4^(th) range             product (packed fruit or fruit in bags for example). And             they are also useful for both local and very long distance             shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Excellent. Fruit stayed a little more than             one week on tree before harvest and then, has stored well             more than 4 weeks after harvest at 2.0 degree Celsius. They             have a slow maturation and a long shelf life both on the             tree after growth completion and after harvesting without             alteration.         -   Shipping quality.—Considered very good. The fruit of the new             nectarine variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or             skin damage after being subjected to normal harvesting and             packing procedures. Its resistance to handling during             harvest and packing and its long shelf life without             alteration after harvest easily permit 3 weeks to 4             weeks-shipping at 2 degrees Celsius.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular             susceptibilities were noted. The present variety is not very             sensitive to powdery mildew, or conservation diseases and             decay due to its thick and strong skin. Although the new             variety of nectarine tree possesses the described             characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions             prevailing near Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement,             France, it should be understood that variations of the usual             magnitude and characteristics incident to changes in growing             conditions, fertilization, pruning, pest control and             horticultural management are to be expected. 

1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree as illustrated and described, characterized by fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, and with a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive skin, with a very high percentage of red blush. 